Issue: Boat Strike and Fishing line IngestionCurrent Condition: Released

ADMISSION NOTE:

Le Fou was found by a boater in the Indian River Lagoon, floating and unable to submerge. The turtle’s deformed carapace was possibly caused by an old boat strike injury. The damage to the carapace and spine had caused the rear flippers to possibly be partially paralyzed. Le Fou also had monofilament line coming out of the cloaca, but no fishing hook was seen on the radiographs. The radiographs did show gas in the lower intestines. We will closely monitor the fishing line as it passes out of the cloaca as well as continue to monitor overall health with bloodwork.

PROGRESS KEY:

This turtle is progressing well and responding to therapy as desired.

There is a minor issue that we are working to resolve.

More details to follow.

PROGRESS NOTES:

11/15/2018 - Le Fou was released privately from Juno Beach!

11/07/2018 -

10/24/2018 -

10/17/2018 -

10/10/2018 -

10/04/2018 -

09/26/2018 - Le Fou is getting more active every day and is very interactive with enrichment.

09/19/2018 -

09/13/2018 -

09/05/2018 -

08/29/2018 - Le Fou is doing well in the large tank and is getting much more exercise.

08/22/2018 -

08/16/2018 - Le Fou is being moved into Big Blue for more space.

08/10/2018 -

07/29/2018 -

07/18/2018 - Le Fou underwent a colonoscopy and it was found that there are only two small area in the cloaca that are not yet healed.

07/11/2018 -

07/04/2018 -

06/27/2018 - Le Fou continues under observation with no change in status so far.

06/20/2018 -

06/13/2018 -

06/07/2018 -

05/30/2018 - Le Fou underwent a cloacoscopy procedure and found the cloaca abscess to be completely healed. We have taken the turtle off of most medications to observe if the problem returns.

05/24/2018 -

05/16/2018 -

05/10/2018 -

05/02/2018 -

04/26/2018 - Le Fou is again able to sleep on the bottom of the tank without any weights added.

11/29/2017 - Le Fou's white cell count is approaching normal. The turtle is diving well with only 3oz. weight on the carapace.

11/22/2017 -

11/15/2017 - Endoscopy revealed that the new treatment is working well.

11/08/2017 - We plan to perform another endoscopy procedure to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.

11/01/2017 - Endoscopy indicated an issue with the urinary sphincter and a new medication is being tried.

10/25/2017 -A recheck colonoscopy was performed this week. The affect area has healed completely. A long-term treatment plan is being formulated.

10/19/2017 - A one pound weight was placed on the carapace using a neoprence pouch secured to the shell.

10/04/2017 -A lighter weight was placed on Le Fou's carapace, but the turtle seemed slightly agitated. The weight was removed and a one pound weight will be replaced using a pouch later this week.

09/27/2017 - The one pound weight was removed. The turtle has been doing much better than it was before the weight was put on, but is still not able to stay underwater on its own. We will place a lighter weight in the next few days.

09/19/2017 - Le Fou was rather active on the transport to Atlanta, but adjusted well while at the aquarium. Sedation was given to Le Fou for the transport back to LMC to keep the turtle calm and prevent any flipper damage. Le Fou has been doing well with the transition back to LMC.

09/17/2017 - Our patients have returned home! We are so thankful for the Georgia Aquarium for taking in our patients during this storm.

09/07/2017 - All of our sea turtle patients have evacuated to the Georgia Aquarium due to Hurricane Irma. They will remain there with a member of our staff until it is safe to return. For all of our preparation for Hurricane Irma visit HERE.

08/31/2017 - Le Fou is doing very well with the weight attached to the carapace. The turtle is swimming normally and resting on the bottom of the tank. We are in discussion with FWC about the turtle being not releasable. A permanent home will be found for Le Fou if this is decided to be the outcome for the turtle.

08/23/2017 - We will be putting a weight on the turtle's carapace to help level the turtle in the water.

08/16/2017 -

08/10/2017 -

08/02/2017 - Le Fou's antibiotics have been changed, but the turtle seems to be improved overall. the turtle is still not able to rest on the bottom of the tank due to flotation issues.

07/27/2017 -

07/20/2017 - Le Fou's condition is slowly improving.

07/12/2017 - The colonoscopy revealed much improvement in the colon. The turtle has been moved to deeper water.

06/21/2017 - Le Fou is eating very well. We will continue to monitor this turtle.

06/15/2017 - Seems to be improving clinically.

06/08/2017 - Le Fou is eating better and gaining weight.

05/31/2017 - We are trying a new intestinal motility drug to see if this will improve LeFou’s current issues.

05/17/2017 - The new treatment has been helping and the turtle seems to be improving.

05/11/2017 - Colonoscopy was done today indicating severe ulceration in the colon. The treatment regimen has been modified.

05/03/2017 - Le Fou is showing indication of lack of gut motility and is being treated with enemas and gut stimulants.

04/19/2017 -

04/12/2017 - Turtle has passed some of the fishing line and is eating well.

04/02/2017 - Le Fou was found by a boater in the Indian River Lagoon, floating and unable to submerge. The turtle’s deformed carapace was possibly caused by an old boat strike injury. The damage to the carapace and spine had caused the rear flippers to possibly be partially paralyzed. Le Fou also had monofilament line coming out of the cloaca, but no fishing hook was seen on the radiographs. The radiographs did show gas in the lower intestines. We will closely monitor the fishing line as it passes out of the cloaca as well as continue to monitor overall health with bloodwork.